Smoke alarm could have led to Kirkcaldy fire being detected much earlier

Tanya Scoon

A leading fire officer has urged everyone to ensure they fit a working smoke alarm in their home to help detect fire quickly.

Steve Michie’s message came as he told the Press a fire in the bedroom of a first floor flat in Links Street yesterday (Tuesday) would have been reported much earlier if there had been an alarm on the property.

The blaze in the flat, one of three above a grocery store and fast food outlet had taken hold by the time the fire was reported to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at 4.45pm.

Two pumps, with ten firefighters from Kirkcaldy attended, alongside colleagues from the fire investigation team at Livingston.

Mr Michie, station manager, prevention and protection in Fife, said investigations are continuing to establish the cause of the blaze, which is believed to be accidental.

“One person had left the building before we arrived and there was nobody else in the block,” he said.

“It was lucky because there was no alarm in the flat which could have led to the fire being detected much earlier.

“I would urge everyone to make sure they have at least one working smoke alarm on their property which could help to save their life.”

Links Street was closed off to traffic between Hendry’s Wynd and Heggie’s Wynd until after 10pm while the fire service remained on site to ensure the blaze was fully extinguished and clear out the debris. The other flats in the building were badly smoke damaged.

Bus services were diverted from Links Street via the Esplanade for around five hours.

A nearby neighbour said: “The whole street was out watching what was going on and the smoke could be seen from a long way away.”